Release-lock for switches.



E. K. P OST & J. S. GENSHEIMER.

RELEASE LOCK FOR SWITCHES.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 27. 19:5.

Patented Apr. 24, 1917.

5 SHEETS-SHEET l.

.II/fdllllllf It'll!!!Ill!!!vi ililllltFI lllllfl I E K POST & J. S. GENSHEIMER.

RELEASE LOCK FOR SWITCHES.

APPLiCATION FILED MAY 27, 1915. w mzsm L fatcnted Apr. 24 1912 5 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

ms Nsmvrs rsrsns 11., mmmumu, wAsnm E. K. POST & J. S. GENSHEIMER.

RELEASE LOOK FOR SWITCHES.

APPLLCATION FILED MAY 27. 1915.

1,223,61 1. Patented Apr. 24, 1917.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

INVENTORS E. K. POST & J. S. GENSHEIMER.

RELEASE LOCK FOR SWITCHES.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 27. 1915.

Patented Apr. 24,1917.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

mm R 1 INVENTORS m: NORRIS PYER 1:0..nno1wumu. WASHINGTON. n

E. K. POST & .l. S. GENSHEIMER.

RELEASE LOCK FOR SWITCHES.

APPLICATION man MAY 2?. 191's.

Patented Apr. 24, 1917.

'5 SHEETSSHEET 5.

w 2 Iva mm E rmmmms Pzrzns cow. puma-Luna" uusmm: mm a. c.

ran ram s rainer sane.

ERNEST K. POST AND JOHN" S. GENSI-IEIMER, OF ALTOONA, PENNSYLVANIA.

RELEASE-LOCK FOB S'WITCHES.

reason.

Application filed. May 27, 1915.

To all whom it may concern: 7

Be 115 known that we, Ennnsr K. Pos'r and JOHN S. *ENSI-IEIMER, citizens of the United States, residing at Altoona, in the county of Blair and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a certain new and useful Release- Lock for Switches, of which the following is a specification.

T he purpose of our invention is to apply approach looking to hand-thrown switches.

A further purpose of our invention is to introduce a time element with a lock or electric indication locking alone or both together into outlying switches intended for hand-operation at the switch.

A further purpose of our invention is to subject a hand-thrown switch to control by an indication lock with time element inter vention under predetermined conditions, all operated automatically by track traflic indication circuits.

A further purpose of our invention is to permit partial throwing of a switch unlocking mechanism, setting a signal to indicate this and make completion of the mechanism dependent upon operation 01' a time element.

A further purpose of our invention is to place an indication lock in position to con trol the throwing of a switch, to control this look automatically by track trafiic indication circuits according to the disposition of traiiic upon sections of track to be protected, to provide automatic insertion of a time element into the indication locl; circuit or to cut it out as approach conditions may require, and to provide partial throw of the unlocking mechanism for the switch lock before actual unlocking of the lock with hand completion of the unlocking movement thrown after the indication lock has acted.

A further purpose of our invention is to introduce an indication lock or time element, or both, at an intermediate point in the movement of a handthrown, unlocking mechanism, dividing the movement into two useful parts. e also arrange for completion of the movement, preferably by hand, providing a signal to show when the movement can be completed.

A further purpose of our invention is to apply electric locking to the unlocking of a. hand-thrown switch loci; with Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 24, 1917.

Serial No. 30,822.

a purely local control circuit or control from a tower if desired.

A further purpose of our invention is to provide automatic insertion of a time element into a lock for a switch unlocking mechanism for approaching trains while automatically cutting out the time element for switching train movements and after an approaching train has passed the switch.

A further purpose of our invention is to interrupt the rod by which aswitch unlocking mechanism is thrown, so as to operate it initially but a part of the distance required to throw the switch stopping it by a lock which may be controlled by indication track circuits either directly or through a time element according to the circuit se lected or which may be capable of being energized. directly from a distant point.

A further purpose of our invention is to operate an indicator at an elect1'ic-lockcontrolled hand unlocked switch lock to show that the electric lock is released. The indicator is preferably electrically operated.

A further purpose of our invention is to permit a hand-operated unlocking mechanism for a mechanical lock to be itself locked so as to introduce a time element into its movement, with either mechanical or electrical locking and with or without tower or track circuit control of the electric lock where this form is used.

A further purpose of our invention is to provide a mechanical emergency release for an electric lock, preferably applying it to an indicator lock and separately locking the emergency release.

Vi e have preferred to illustrate our invention by one form thereof which in use has proved practical, etlicient and, above all, safe and reliable and which at the same time well illustrates the principles or" our invention.

Figure 1 shows our invention applied to switch points of a siding in conjunction with a single track.

Fig. 1 is a section upon lines 1 1 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 shows our invention capable of initial starting movement from a hand-operated tower and lever, with completion of the mo em nt at th itch.

Fig. 2 shows our invention as applied to the operation of a cross-over with coincident control of both terminal switches from an intermediate position.

Fig. 3 is a top plan View of a part of the mechanism shown in Figs. 1 and 2, with the top and mechanical indicator removed.

Fig. 4 is a section upon line 44: of Fig. 3 with the top and mechanical indicator in place.

Fig. P is a vertical, central section of the lock shown in Fig. 4:.

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic View explanatory of one system of connections which may be used to operate an indication lock and selectively introduce a time element.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary, diagrammatic view intended to fit in with Fig. 5, where tower control of a system, such as Fig. 5, is desired.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view showing a unitary unlocking rod and mechanical time element.

Similar numerals of reference indicate like parts.

Our lock finds its greatest utility at the present time in automatic trackcircuit-traftic-controlled switches for trains coming out of a siding or attempting to cross a track, protecting from collision with an approaching train upon the main track. The same type of circuit connections which will protect against the train upon the section upon the east, for example, in a double track road, will protect against a train coming from the West. We have illustrated the connections for protection in one direction only. Evidently those for protection in the opposite direction also, as upon a single track road, will represent mere duplicates of these and we have not considered it necessary to.

illustrate them for this reason.

Taking up first the mechanical construction of the preferred form, used as an illustration and seen in Fig. 1, and in more detail in Figs. 3 and 4:, the main track is shown at 1, the switch points at 2, 8, the switch rod at 1 and the lock rod at 5, whose opening is varied by longitudinal movement of plate 6. When the lock for the rod is unlocked, the switch is thrown by lever 7 which may be locked in its opposite positions by any recognized means. Our invention has to do in the illustration with locking structure for the rod 5, and, more particularly with the locking and unlocking of the mechanical look by which the rod 5 is held. In this preferred form the unlocking mechanism is controlled by an electric lock within which a time element may be automatically included.

The actual locking engagement of the end 8 of the mechanical locking bar 9 within the opening 10 by which the rod 5 is locked is shown in Fig. 1 from which it will sufficiently appear that the end of the bar is given considerable movement before it unlocks the rod and permits throw of the switch. This view is intended to be illustrative of a mere conventional form by which the locking may be effected and not to give the structure which would actually be used. The bar is of any preferred contour, permissibly bifurcated at 11. It is provided with an extension 12 upon which a contact 13 is carried, in such position that it will engage contact springs 14, 15 in certain positions of the bar so as to effect the movement of a local signal to danger position, as will more clearly appear from Fig. 5 and its description.

The opposite end of the bar is shown'as connected by a rod and terminal yokes 16, 16 with a composite rod 17, typifying the actual unlocking rod, here made up of two parts, 18 and 19 effectively connected by means of strips 20 and 21 which I find more desirable than making the two parts integral. The division of the rod 17 is a matter of convenience to simplify application of a lock, shown as a detector lock,-as the composite rod 17 can be given sufficient rigidity to move as one, while the strip 21 is conveniently engaged by the bar 22 of an electrical detector lock 23. The division of the rod 17 also conveniently forms a lost motion space for a driving block 24 connected with the second rod 32. The detector lock selected for the illustration is a standard form, having guides 25 for the locking piece or bar 22. The bar is operated through armature stem 26 by armature 27 when the magnet is energized.

In the absence of energization of the electromagnet, the bar 22 lies within the depressed upper surface of the strip 21 at 28, permitting movement of the strip and hence of the composite rod 17 as far as the shoulder 29 only, this shoulder operating as a stop; whereas the strip may move freely under the bar past the shoulder when the detector lock is energized.

The space between the adjoining ends 30 and 31 of the parts 18, 19 of rod 1'? is sufficient to admit the driving block 24: and also to allow this block to have some movement representing the lost motion permit ted between rods 17 and a second rod 32. The lost motion represents the distance by which the rod 17 is subsequently moved to complete the operation of unlocking hereinafter described.

The rod 32 lies below the composite rod 17 and is designed to have a throw in excess of the lost motion space between ends 30 and 31 and to give the rod 17 a part only of the latters movement. It also starts a time element. The division made, into two rods, permits a long throw to be given to the lever of the time element with but a short initial movement of the unlocking mechanism for the switch lock and a diilerent character of hand actuationor different leverage for the two parts of the total throw given.

For convenience in nomenclature we have referred to both of the parts 17 and 82 as rods without regard to their composite or integral make-up to cover various shapes and cross sections of members capable of performing their functions.

The ends 30 and 31 are spaced a distance in excess of the length of the block, as stated, nearly equal to the throw of the rod 32, differing from this throw by the amount which it is desired to move rod 17 in order to break the signal-controlling engagement between contact 13 and springs 1i and 15. This distance by which the rod 17 is initially moved also corresponds nearly to the distance between the bar of the detector lock, as shown, and shoulder 29 whose en gagement with the bar would prevent further movement of the rod 17 until the detector lock be energized.

It will be evident that the division of the throw into two sections does not require that there shall be separate and relatively movable actuating means, (the adjusting means being readily made integral, one form of this being shown in Fig. 6) but that the relative movement of separate actuating means represents an added advantage in our construction, reducing the initial throw of the release or increasing the movement of the part engaging the time element or both and making the initial throw available for present pipe line actuation systems, for actuation from a tower, if desire At any convenient point upon the parts moved before engagement by the detector lock, preferably upon rod 32, since it has the first and the greater extent of initial move ment, there is provided the means for starting a time element and, since the time element preferred requires mechanical return of its parts, it ca ries also means for re placing these parts. These functions are performed by lugs 35 and 36, here provided by plates secured to the sides of the rod 32 in such position that they shall engage with the lever arm 37 of any suitable time ele ment 38, one to start the element with movement in one direction. the other to replace its arm in normal position. The end of the rod 32 at the right of the detector lock is reduced in width to pass it, but is extended to obtain support within the frame at 39 and to carry the lugs.

hen the time element is started by setting its mechanism in motion, the electric circuit through it is open and remains open until this mechanism (after the required time has elapsed) closes the circuit. The circuit then remains closed until the reverse movementoit the lever arm 37 interrupts it, at the same time placing the arm in position to be again thrown for starting the time element. These time elements are articles of manufacture well known in the art, the particular form illustrated having its time operation determined by a standard clock movement.

The plates 35 and 36 are shown as adjustably secured by screws 40. The contact is made by the time element upon each move ment of rod 32 to the left in Figs. 3 and 4. In approach locking this contact may be in series with one of the circuits to the detector look, but, as will be more fully pointed out hereinafter, may not be required to energize the detector lock owing to other traliic controlled circuits.

T he rod 17 is interrupted in its movement, or may be, by the detector look. We prefor not to have the final movement of rod 17 given by continuation of movement of rod 3E1 because we prefer not to move rod 32 so far. It would require an undesirably long leverage. We have already indicated that it is better not to have the entire movement by pull of the rod 17. The rods are therefore provided with separate means for hand actuation. Rod 32 is thrown by lever ll through connection 4. and aw 4c?) and rod 17 is given its final throw handle 44. Another advantage in completion of the stroke of rod 17 by means separate from rod 32 lies in reducing the complication in movement of the lever of the time element where the form illustrated is used.

The rods 1? and 32 (and the rod 17 of Fig. 6) with their operating connections comprise means for throwing the mechani cal lock for rod 5 to release oosition and their motion is interrupted by the time element.

The detector lock and time element are conveniently mounted within any suitable casing which is shown as provided with a removable top d6.

To lift the armature 27, in case of failure of the electric circuit, we provide an emergency release for it by means of key 47 whose cam end 18 lifts the armature when the handle 49 of the key is turned. The handle is locked by a strap 50 and padlock 51 to prevent tampering. For a purpose hereinafter indicated the key carries a switch 52 engaging contacts 53, 5% when in inoperative position and tree from them when operated as a release for the indication look.

In operation of the mechanical part of our invention, in the form just described, the lever ll is thrown as far as it will go until the shoulder 29 is engaged by the detector lock bar. and connections at first move tree from the rod 17 and then carry rod 17 along when the edge of the projection or block 53% engages During this movement the lever.

the left hand portion 18 of rod 17 at 30. During this movement, the lever 11 and connections start the time element but do not release the mechanical lock, pin 8, from the opening 10 in the lock rod.

If the detector lock be energized at the beginning, the completion of movement of rod 17 need not wait for the contact to be made by the time element but can follow im mediately after the movement of rod 32.

In. order that the operation of the detector lock may be known by the one who is attempting to unlock the switch, we provide an indicator 55 connected preferably electrically as shown with the circuit operating the detector lock so that both are energized together. The indicator shows when handle 1 -1 may be pulled to complete movement of rod 17.

We have shown a mechanical indicator also to show the condition of the indication lock. Either of the two indicators may be used separately if desired. Its arm 56 is engaged by the bar 22 of tl lock to swing about a shaft 57 to lift a link 58. The upper end of the link is connected to one arm 59 of a rock shaft 60, whose other arm 61 carries the target of the indicator.

Both rods, 17 and 32, are reset by return movement of lever 11 which then drives rod 17 both the distance which it had pulled this rod and the lost-motion distance which the rod had been separately moved. The arm of the time element is returned to its initial position by the second-lug, breaking the contact which had been made by the time element.

lVhere it is the intention to insert a time element in the lock all the time a mechanical time lock may be used, connected directly with the unlocking rod and set by it. One form of this is shown with a continuous unlocking rod, operated entirely by one lever andinterrupted in its stroke in Fig. 6.

In this structure the undivided release rod 17 is intended for connection with looking bar 9 in any convenient way, such as the connection of rod 17 to that bar. It is guided in the frame 415 and is provided with a stop 62 to engage the bar 22 of the time element 23. The top of the stop is continuous at 63, for the final part of the throw to prevent the bar from possibility of catching on the return movement. The lower part of the rod is provided with a cam 6a which sets the time element by engaging cam 65 upon its rod 66 and retains the element set when the mechanical lock is fully in place.

The time element comprises a hollow plunger connected with the rod-66 and two surrounding containers with mercury between the containers and between the plunger and the lnner container in the chamber 68. Most of the mercury lies in the container 69. The

inner chamber has one or more large openings at the top, at 68 and a small leakage opening at the bottom at 68 When the plunger is depressed, the greater part of the mercury within the inner chamber is forced out through the opening 68. When the rod 66 is no longer held down, mercury leaks in through the leakage opening 68 floating the plunger.

The rod 17 is shown in its extreme right hand position, corresponding to the fully closed position of the mechanical lock for the switch. The rod 17 is thrown to the left to the point where bar 22 engages stop 62, disengaging cam (55 from the cam which has held it down. The plunger then rises, lifting bar 22 and permitting the completion of movement of rod 17 by the same handoperated means by which its movement was started.

This structure in Fig. 6 is, of course, capable of combination with an indicator for the position of the time lock, signal control by the initial movement of the rod 17 and other features of our invention.

In Fig. 2 the mechanism shown as included within case 4:5 is placed close to the switchthrowing mechanism at the left of the figure, a corresponding device being located opposite the switch points and throwing mechanism at the other end of the cross-over, while the lever 70, throwing rod 32 in eachof these devices is shown at the center of the crossover, in order to prevent the throwing of this lever when there is traffic upon the crossover. The connections between the lever 70 and rods 32 are shown throughbell cranks 71 and '71 and rods 72, 72. The two tracks connected are shown at 73 and 74. Except that the unlocking and controlling mechanism are duplicated for the two ends of cross-over and that the connections between it and the lever 7 0 differ as stated, the equipment is substantially identical with that just described and shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 1.

Our invention is of great value in connection with track circuits which indicate the presence or absence of trains on particular portions of track and, correspondingly, the electrical condition of circuits. It is therefore so illustrated without waiving rights to the various other advantageous applications of our invention which will occur to those skilled in the art.

In order to give the concrete illustration of it required by the statute, we have selected for diagrammatic circuit illustration, Fig. 5, one application of it to one track of a modern three-positioned signal system in which the track is insulated at 7 5, 7 5, 7 5 to form three sections of track 77, 7 8 and 7 9 protected by signals 80, 81 and 82. Eatteries 76, 7 6, 7 6 are shown connecting the rails of the several sections. The siding is shown at 83 and is insulated at 8a. A derailing device is indicated at 85 protecting the main track.

As is well known, track circuits for such sections of track are in use operated variously by alternating current, by direct current and by mixed alternating and direct currents and these circuits themselves present considerable variety. The form of current selected, the direct, as well as the ariangement of the parts of the circuits and the use and distribution of contact makers,

. represent illustrative forms only among the many available to obtain even the same operation obtained by us. We have applied these circuits to control of the signal, the indication lock and the indication lock and time element in series, under certain conditions involving the presence or absence of tralfic upon the track circuits, but we recognize that our invention would be useful in controlling outlying switch locks for a variety of conditions of train distribution and where no local circuit is employed.

When movement of rod 17 begins, its first result is to break the connection conventionally shown as made by contact 13 with the springs 11 and 15. The effect of this in throwing the signal to danger may be seen from the circuits indicated by arrows 1 and 2 in the diagram, which represent the control of the signal 80 jointly by presence or absence of traffic upon the contiguous sectionof track (the ad Oining section control not being traced out) and by the contact 18.

In order that signal 80 may indicate safety in the best systems, some circuit must be closed. That selected by us and indicated by arrow 1 (here considered to be a conventional showing) must be closed. Starting with the battery 86 it includes connections 87, 88, contact 89, connection 90, contact 91, connection 92, the signal coils of 80, and connections 93 and 95. The contact 91 is shown as in the position assumed when relay '96 is energized, which requires that there shall be current from the rails of the track, which differ in potential, through connections 97, 98. This would be interrupted by presence of a train upon the sec tion 77. It will be understood that signals 81 and 82 are both provided with signal coils and make similar connections.

But this circuit indicated by arrows 1 passes through another contact 89 shown in closed position due to the presence of current in relay 99. The energization of this relay is controlled by the circuit indicated by arrows 2 including the battery, connections 87, 100, 101, springs 53 and 541 through key switch 52, spring 14, contact 13, spring 15, connection 102, the winding of relay 99 and connections 103, 104C and 95. This circuit must therefore be closed to keep signal 80 at safetv. It is closed when the lock for the switch is fully closed but is opened at the first movement of the rod 17. The key switch 52 is shown as in its normal closed position. lVhen used for emergency release the circuitwould be opened by its movement.

Throwing signal 80 to danger closes the contact between arm 105 and terminal 106, a condition therefore always present when the rod 17 has been thrown by rod 32.

Taking up next the effect of various trafiic distributions upon the indication lock and indication lock in series with the time element contact, respectively, we will consider first the presence or absence of a train u on track sections 78 and 79.

When there is no train upon either of the sections 78 or 79, the signal 82 is clear and the contact at 107 is closed, throwing a current through a circuit shown by arrows 3 and traced from the battery through connections 87, 100, 101 and 108, relav winding at 109, connection 110, contact 107 and connections 111, 104, 94 and 95. The relay contact at 112 is thus closed by the energization of the relay, causing a second circuit shown by the arrows 4, to flow from the battery through connections 87, 100, 101 and 118, arm 105 and terminal 106, connections 114i and 115, contact 112 closed by the relay winding at 109, connections 116 and 117, indication lock 23 (energizing also indicator 55 by connections 118 and 119, preferably in parallel) and connections 120 and 95.

As will be seen, the indication lock will be energized and the indicator 55 operated without including the timing element within the circuit. The time element will have been mechanically operated, 2'. e. started, upon the forward throw of rod 32 and will make contact when at the end of the time interval after its throwing arm swings free from the rod, but the continuation of movement of the rod 17 to complete the release of the mechanical switch lock will not be dependent upon the making of this contact, and should not be, as there is no need for delay in unlocking and throwing the switch when sections 78 and 79 are free from trains.

The next situation arising is that when a train is upon either section 78 or 79 and when the connection to the indication lock must therefore pass through the time element in order that the time period for which the element is included shall elapse between the beginning of movement of the rod 17 and the completion of this movement to release the switch lock. The circuit is here indicated by arrows marked 5.

Though the connections at 81 are similar to those at 82, it will be necessary to trace those at 82 only. Here the connection at 107 is open, since the signal at 82 would be in its third or stop position if a train were upon the section 79 and in the intermediate and 95 to the battery.

This w'll put the time element in series with the indication lock and will require delay, after movement of the rod 32, until the time element has made connection before the indication lock will be energized to release the rod 17 so that the switch may be unlocked.

A third condition arises when a train has entered section 77 and it is desirable to get it in upon the siding quickly. This is generally advantageous in switching operations and also releases the switch from time circuit control quickly when a train has passed the switch. Particularly for switching operations, the time element should be cut out of the circuit and the indication lock energized immediately, in order that the switch may be unlocked and thrown as quickly as possible. To provide for this, we have shown a circuit indicated by arrows numbered 6. The track circuit 97, 98 from the rails of section 7 7 will then cease to energize relay 96 because of the traiiic upon section 77. The contacts 126, 127 will then be made and contact 91 broken. The circuit closed will be as follows Starting from the battery, it passes over connections 87. 100 and 113 through contacts 105 and 106 closed by reason of signal being'at danger, through connections 11%, 128, contacts 126 and 127, connections 129 and 117 to indication lock 23, through connections 12.0 and to battery. As will be seen, this circuit avoids the time element and is not dependent upon its action, nor delayed to await its contact.

It will be evident that our invention may be applied to outlying switches in varying locations; that the structure by which the indication lock or time lock or both are effectively engaged with the switch release, as well as the character of these locks may be greatly varied. and that the character of track circuits and the instrimientalities by which the time circuit is automatically included in series with the indication lock circuit may also be changed to accommodate varying requirements and types of track circuit and signal control as well as of character of approach to be guarded and whether in one direction only or in both directions from the siding or cross-over, all within the spirit and scope of our invention.

'It will further be evident that the rod 32 may be tower operated, as in Fig. 1, by tower lever 130, bell crank 131 and pipe line 132, connecting with rod 42, leaving the throwing of the rod 17 for subsequent handoperation, or that a rod, such as 17 whether controlled by electrical or mechanical time looking, and with or without indication looking, may be hand-thrown from the tower.

Fig. 5 is intended to be in all particulars the same as Fig. 5, except that connection 113 is led to a tower or other point of outside control and is there interrupted by a switch which must be closed before the circuits through 113 can be utilized. This gives electrical tower control. Mechanical tower control has already been shown in Fig. l".

It will be evident that the mechanical release for the electric lock is capable of use in other locations than here shown and can be used with or without inclusion in an electric circuit.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. In a device of the character stated, a hand-thrown switch, a switch-throwing mechanism therefor, a mechanical lock for the switch throwing mechanism, handthrown means for unlocking the lock, an electric indication lock engaging the unlocking means when the lock is deenergized, a time element started by the unlocking means and making electric contact and an electric circuit including the contact of the time element and the winding of the indication lock for energizing the indication lock when the time has elapsed after the setting of the time element.

2. In a device of the character stated, a switch, a hand-operated switch-throwing mechanism therefor, a mechanical lock for the switch-throwing mechanism, hand-operated unlocking mechanism for the lock, an electric indication lock engaging the unlocking mechanism when the electric lock. is deenergized, a time element started by partial movement ofthe unlocking mechanism and making electric contact, electric circuits for energizing the indication lock separately and in series with the contact or" the time element and track-circuit-operated connections for energizing the two circuitsaccording to the presence or absence of traffic upon the track.

3. In a device of the character stated, a switch, hand-throwing mechanism therefor, a mechanical lock for the throwing mechanism, hand-operated unlocking mechanism for the lock, a lever, a rod moved by the lever, a time element started by movement of the rod and making electric contact, a second rod moved part of its. throw by movement of the first rod and connected with the lock release, anelectric indication lock when deener ized preventing full movement of the second rod, electric circuits in cluding the indication lock and the indication look through the contact of the time element respectively and electric means for energizing the two circuits selectively, ac-

cording to the presence or absence of traflic upon the track.

a. In a device of the character stated, a hand-thrown switch, a mechanical lock therefor, hand-thrown unlocking mechanism for said lock capable of resting at an intermediate part of its stroke, means for moving the unlocking mechanism an appreciable part of its stroke to a resting point, an elec tric indication lock preventing full movement of the unlocking mechanism when the indication lock is deenergized and electric means for energizing the indication lock and permitting completion of the movement of the unlocking mechanism.

5. In a device of the character stated, a hand-thrown switch, a mechanical lock therefor, hand-thrown unlocking mechanism for said lock having relatively movable parts, means for moving the unlocking mechanism a part of its stroke, an electric indication lock preventing full movement of the unlocking mechanism when the indication lock is deenergized, electric means for energizing the indication lock and permitting completion of the movement of the unlocking mechanism and separate handoperated means tor completing the move ment or" one of the parts of the unlocking mechanism.

6. In a device of the character stated, a hand-thrown switch, a mechanical lock therefor, hand-thrown unlocking mechanism for said lock, means for moving the unlocking mechanism a part of its stroke, an electric indication lock preventing full movement of the unlocking mechanism when the indication lock is deenergized, a time element started coincidently with partial movement of the unlocking mechanism and making electric contact, electric circuits for the indication lock and indication lock in series with the contact of the time element respectively and automatic means for energizing these circuits selectively according to the position of traffic, permitting completion of movement of the unlocking mechanism.

7. In a device of the character stated, a hand-thrown switch, a mechanical lock therefor, hand-thrown unlocking mechanism for said lock, means for moving the unlocking mechanism a part of its stroke, an electric indication lock preventing t'ull movement of the unlocking mechanism when the indication lock is deenergized, a time elementstarted coincidently with the partial movement of the unlocking mechanism and making electric contact, electric circuits for the indication lock and indication lock in series with the contact of the time element respectively, automatic means for energiz ing these circuits selectively according to the position or" traiiic, permitting comple tion of movement of the unlocking mechanism and separate hand operated means for completing the movement of the unlocking mechanism.

8. In a device of the character stated, a hand-thrown switch, a mechanical lock therefor, hand-thrown unlocking mechanism for said lock, means for moving the unlocking mechanism a part of its stroke, an electric indication lock preventing full movement of the unlocking mechanism when the indication lock is dei nergized, a time element started by the unlocking mechanism, means carrying the other with it a part of its stroke and with partial movement to unlock and changing a contact, an electric circuit in series with the indication lock and contact and means at a distance for energizing this circuit to permit completion of movement of the unlocking mechanism.

9. In a device of the character stated, a hand-thrown switch, a mechanical lock therefor, an unlocking mechanism for said lock, handoperated means for moving the unlocking mechanism a part of its stroke, an electric iidication lock preventing full movement oi the unlocking mechanism when the indi cation lock is deenergized, a time element closing a contact and started by the means giving partial movement to the unlocking mechanism, an electric circuit in series with the indication lock and contact, means at a distance for energizing this circuit to permit completion of movement of the lock release and hand-operated means for completing the movement of the unlocking inechanism.

10. In a device of the character stated, a hand-operated switch, a mechanical lock therefor, hand-operated unlocking mecha nism for the lock capable of resting at an intermediate part of stroke, an electric lock interrupting movement of the unlocking mechanism at a resting point after con siderable movement, and an electric circuit operating the electric lock to Jermit completion of movement of the unlocking mechanism.

11, In a device of the character stated, a hand-thrown switch, a mechanical lock therefor, an unlocking mechanism for the lock divided into two parts, hand-operated means for moving one of these parts carrying the other with it a part of its stroke and separate hand-operated means for completing the movement of the second part.

12. In a device of the character stated, a switch, a mechanical lock therefor, an unlocking mechanism for said lock comprising two movable and relatively movable operating par s, an electric lock for one of the parts, a circuit controlling the electric lock, hand-operated means for'moving the second of the parts carrying the first part with it a portion of the stroke and hand-operated first part of the interrupted movement, a

signal, connections moving the signal when the contact is altered, an electric lock controlling and interrupting the movement of the unlocking mechanism, an electric circuit controlling the movement of the electric lock and hand-operated means for throwing the electric lock.

14:. In a device of the character stated, a hand-thrown switch, a mechanical lock therefor, hand-operated unlocking mechanism for the lock having an interrupted movement, an electric lock for the unlocking mechanism causing the interruption, an electriccontact carried by the unlocking mechanism, a signal, an electric circuit made through the contact controlling the position of the signal, a time element started by the unlocking mechanism and making a contact, an electric circuit through the lock, a separate electric circuit, including the contact of the time element and the electric lock, the two last circuits being selectively operated by reason of the variant tralfic conditions on the track protected, and hand-operated means for moving the unlocking mechanism to the point of interruption and subsequently completing its movement.

15. In a device of the character stated, a hand-thrown switch, a mechanical lock therefor, an unlocking rod for the look, a stop on the unlocking rod, an electric lock engaging the stop when the rod has been partly thrown, an electric circuit for the electric lock, a second rod connected with the first rod, but allowing lost motion there between and separate hand-operated means for moving the first rod to carry the second rod to the point of interruption in its movement and to continue the movement of the second rod.

16. In a device of the cha 'acter stated, a hand-thrown switch, a mechanical lock therefor, an unlocking rod for the look, a stop on the unlocking rod, an electric lock engaging the stop when the rod has been partly thrown, an electric circuit for the electric lock, a second rod connected with the first rod but allowing lost motion therebetween, a time element making an electric contact, connections for placing said contact within the electric lock circuit, means upon one of the rods engaging the time element to partly thrown, an electric circuit for the electriclock, a second rod connected with the first rod, but allowing lost motion therebetween, a contact operated by one of the rods, a circuit broken by the contact when the first rod is at the point of interruption of its movement, a signal moved by the circuit and hand means for throwing the rods to the point of interruption and completing the movement of the first rod.

18. In a device of the character stated, a hand-thrown switch, a mechanical lock therefor, an unlocking rod for the look, a stop on the unlocking rod, an electric lock engaging the stop when the rod has been partly thrown, an electric circuit for the electric look, a second rod connected with the first rod, but allowing lost motion therebetween, a time element making an electriccontact, connections for placing said contact within the electric lock circuit, a pair of stops upon the second rod engaging the operating member of the time element to start it and return it to position, hand-operated means for moving the second rod and separate hand-operated means for completing the movement of the first rod.

19. In a device of the character stated, a switch, a mechanical lock therefor, an unlocking mechanism for the lock comprising movable and relatively movable rods allowing lost motion between, hand-operated means for throwing one of the rods carrying the second with it for partial movement, a track-trailic-controlled electric lock for interrupting the movement of the one rod and separate handoperated means for completing the movement of the second rod.

20. In a device of the character stated, an unlocking mechanism comprising a pair of rods having movement and relative movement, the one engaged by the second to carry it part of its stroke with lost mot-ion provision therebetween, a stop upon the first of the rods, hand-operating means for moving the second of the rods, a track-trafliccontrolled electric lock engaging the stop and hand-operated means for moving the first named of the rods.

21. In a device of the character stated, an unlocking mechanism comprising a pair of rods having movement and relative movement, thepne engaged by the second to carry it part of its stroke, with lost motion provision therebetween, a stop upon the first of the rods, hand-operated means for throwing the second of the rods, a track-trafiiccontrolled electric lock engaging the stop, a time element started by one of the rods and making an electric contact, a second tracli-traffic-controlled circuit embodying part of the first and including the lock and time element and hand-operated means for completing the movement of the first rod.

22. In a device of the character stated, a through track, a switch controlling connection with the through track, a mechanical lock for the switch, a throwing lever for the switch, separate hand-thrown unlocking mechanism for the lock, a track-traiiic-controlled electric lock upon the unlocking mechanism and a time element started by partial movement of the unlocking mechanism and closing an electric contact selectively and automatically introduced into the circuit of the electric look by variations in traflic conditions.

23. In a device of the character stated, a through track, a switch controlling connection with the through track, a mechanical lock for the switch, a hand lever for the switch, separate hand thrown unlocking mechanism for the lock and a time-element-controlled interruption for the movement of the unlocking mechanism.

24:. In a device of the character stated, a pair of through tracks, a cross-over therefor having a hand-thrown switch at each end, a mechanical lock for each switch, unlocking mechanism for the mechanical locks, a common throwing lever for the unlocking mechanisms and tracl;trai1ic-controlled electric indication locking for the unlocking mechanism.

25. In a device of the character stated, a through-track, a track connecting therewith, a hand-thrown switch connecting the tracks, a signal, a mechanical lock for the switch, hand-thrown unlocking mechanism for the lock having an interrupted movement, a contact upon the unlocking mechanism, electrical connections through the contact throwing the signal to danger when the unlocking mechanism has made part of its movement and a timeelement-controlled lock for the unlocking mechanism preventing completion of movement thereof until the time has elapsed.

26. In a device of the character stated, a through-track, a track connected therewith, a hand-thrown switch connecting the tracks, a signal, a mechanical lock for the switch, unlocking mechanism for the lock having an interrupted movement, a contact upon the unlocking mechanism, electrical connections through the contact throwing the signal to danger when the unlocking mechanism has made part of its movement, an electric lock for the unlocking mechanism, a time element started by partial movement of the unlocking mechanism and making a contact and selectively energized electric circuits including the electric lock with the contact of the time element and the electric lock alone.

27. In a device of the character stated, a through-track, a track connected therewith, a hand-thrown switch connecting the tracks, a signal, mechanical lock for the switch, hand-operated unlocking mechanism for the lock having an interrupted movement, a contact upon the unlocking mechanism, electrical connections through the contact throwing the signal to danger when the unlocking mechanism has made part of its movement,

electric lock for the unlocking mechanism, a time clement started by partial movement of the unlocking mechanism and making an electric contact and track-traflic-con trolled electric circuits including the electric lock and the electric lock with the contact of the time element respectively, selectively energized by variant conditions of trailic distribution.

98. In a device of the character stated, a through track, a track connected therewith, a hand-operated switch therebetween, a mechanical lock for said switch, hand-operated unlocking mechanism for said look, a timeelemcnt-controlled electric lock for said release and an electric indicator showing when the time-element-controlled lock is operated to allow movement of the unlocking mechanism.

29. In a device of the character stated, a through track, a track connected therewith, a handoperated switch therebetween, a mechanical lock for the switch, hand-operated unlocking mechanism for said lock, an electric indication lock for said unlocking mechanism, a time element started by partial movement of the unlocking mechanism and making an electric contact, traiiic-controlled track circuits including the indication lock and the indication lock and time element respectively and an electric indicator showing the condition of the indication lock.

80. In a device of the character stated, a pair of through tracks, a cross-over therebetween having a hand-thrown switch at each end of the cross-over, a mechanical lock for each hand-thrown switch, an unlocking mechanism for each of the locks and common hand thrown means for operating both of the unlocking mechanisms, located within the space occupied by trafiic upon the crossover and between the tracks.

31. In a device of the character stated, a hand-thrown switch, a lock therefor, unlocking mechanism for the lock and a timecontrolled lock for the unlocking mechanism having a fixed time period for delaying operation of the unlocking mechanism.

32. In a device of the character stated, a hand-thrown switch, a lock therefor, handoperated unlocking mechanism for the lock and a time-controlled lock for the unlocking mechanism started by attempted release of the lock.

33. In a device of the character stated, a hand-thrown switch, a mechanical lock therefor, hand-thrown unlocking mechanism for the look, a lock for the unlocking mechanism interrupting its movement and automatic means for setting the second lock with the locking throw of the first lock.

34. In a device of. the character stated, a hand-operated switch, a lock therefor, unlocking mechanism for the lock, an electric lock for the unlocking mechanism, connections for operating the electric lock and tower-operated means for throwing the unlocking mechanism by hand.

35. In a device of the character stated, a hand-operated switch, a lock therefor, unlocking mechanism for the lock having an interrupted movement, a lock for the unlocking mechanism interrupting the movement, an electric circuit controlling the lock for the unlocking mechanism, hand-operated tower means for initially moving the unlocking mechanism and separate hand-operated means for completing the movement of the unlocking mechanism for the lock.

36. In a device of the character stated, a hand-operated switch, a lock therefor, unlocking mechanism for the lock, a signal, connections setting the signal with initial movement of the release, a time lock for the unlocking mechanism set by movement of the unlocking mechanism and interrupting unlocking movement thereof and hand-0perated means for moving the unlocking mechanism.

37. In a device of the-character stated, a hand-thrown switch, a lock therefor, unlocking mechanism for the lock having an interrupted movement, a lock for the unlocking mechanism controlling the interruption of the movement, means for operating the second look, a signal and connections controlled by initial movement of the unlocking mechanism for moving the signal.

ERNEST K. POST. JOHN S. GENSHEIMER.

Vitnesses W. FRANK VAUGHN, CHAS. L. SANDRUS.

Copies of this patent may be obtainedor five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. G. 

